California's 14ers

Custom Guided Climbs

California Ski Guides

California Ski Guides is a division of SWS Mountain Guides that is dedicated to the sport of backcountry skiing and splitboarding. Ski Mt. Shasta or learn from some of the best guides in California. Click "Ski More" link below. Give us a call if you have any questions 888.797.6867

Climb Mt. Whitney

The highest mountain in the lower 48 is also one of the most iconic. Towering over the Owens Valley Mt. Whitney offers several classic climbing routes including the Mountaineer's Route, the East Face and the East Buttress.

Welcome to SWS Mountain Guides Basecamp

Come explore the SWS Mountain Guides website! Whether you are a new climber or an old hand in the mountains, SWS Mountain Guides has something for everyone: from learning basic ice axe techniques to climbing a remote peak in Argentina. You will find what you need to join a group to climb a peak, learn some new skills, or just come explore the mountains of the world with us. SWS Mountain Guides provides the trip organization, a majority of the group and technical equipment, and the expertise to make your dreams become a reality. We welcome you to explore our website. Give us a call to book a course, climb, expedition, or just to chat…… See you in the Mountains!

Mt. Shasta, Southern Cascades, California

SWS Mountain Guides is the premier mountain guide service on Mt. Shasta. Under the same ownership for over 34 years we have been leading Guided Ascents of Mt. Shasta via Avalanche Gulch, Casaval Ridge, West Face, Hotlum/Bolum ridge, Hotlum/Wintun ridge, as well as more advanced routes on the Hotlum Glacier. Instructional mountaineering courses which are taught either on the Hotlum Glacier or in Avalanche Gulch include: Ice Ax and Crampon Clinics, Basic Mountaineering Clinics, Crevasse Rescue and Glacier Travel, and Expedition Training in both Winter and Summer seasons.

Mt. Whitney, Eastern Sierra Nevada, California

SWS Mountain Guides offers guided ascents of Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineer’s Route as well as the more technical routes found on the East Face and East Buttress. Mt. Whitney stands tall at 14,505 feet making Mt. Whitney the highest summit in the lower 48 states. Mt. Whitney and the Eastern Sierra Nevada make up the longest mountain range in California stretching over 400 miles north and south and up to 70 miles wide. The Sierra’s are home to three national parks, 20 wilderness areas, and two national monuments with 14 summits over 14,000 feet and several hundred over 13,000 feet. SWS Mountain Guides is permitted to guide throughout the range and while Mt. Whitney is the most popular, there are many unique challenges and adventures awaiting in the mountains nicknamed “The Range of Light”. Come join us and Live the Adventure!

International Expeditions, Treks, & Adventure Travel

SWS Mountain Guides operates expeditions and treks throughout the world. Groups are kept small, from 4-8 clients, so we can experience the local culture and explore unusual places and areas of interest to the group. Each expedition or mountain course is lead by a Senior SWS Mountain Guide who works with the local guides and services to provide the best and safest expedition as possible. While much of our time is spent on the physically demanding climbs, we do allow for time to enjoy the culture and explore the sights and sounds of each country we visit.

SWS Mountain Extras

Climbing Mt. Shasta

Read more about climbing Mt. Shasta by reading our book "Climbing Mt. Shasta" 2nd Edition. This book was written and edited by SWS Mountain Guides; David Cressman, Timothy Keating, and "JB" Brown and is published by SWS Mountain Guides Publications.

FEDERAL LEGAL POLICY

"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). "USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."